MANILA, Philippines – Baguio seems to become newer as she grows older as the “Baguio Then/Now” exhibition shows.

The exhibit features photos of the city 100 years ago from important sources such as the US National Archives and Records Administration, the University Of Michigan Museum of Anthropology and the American Historical Collection.

Some images come from the private collections of culturati like National Artist Bencab and Jonathan Best. The old images are juxtaposed with photos of present-day Baguio taken between 2000 and 2007 by Robbie Casas, Elicon Consul, Caesar Paul Garcia, JT Gonzales, Rudy Furuya, Tommy Hafalla, Ric Maniquis, Julius Mendoza, Mark Perez, Rudi Tabora, Ompong Tan and Boy Y&ntiliguez.

The photos give a perspective that viewers don’t often notice. Some will see development and modernization; others, loss and destruction. Some will see urban blight eating away at shrinking pockets of greenery; others, a growing city dotted with green gems.

“Hopefully, the show will stimulate discussion on different levels about the environment and historically important issues,” says curator Erlyn Ruth Alcantara.

The show contributes to a historical understanding and visual knowledge of Baguio’s 100 years. Alcantara chose to mount the exhibit in 2007 instead of during the 2009 centennial to provide context beforehand.

“People will know more about the city’s past. This can generate greater interest for a more meaningful centennial celebration,” she says. Historically, much of the construction of Baguio’s early buildings began in 1907.

Alcantara has been invited to mount the show in Metro Manila -- at The Podium in Mandaluyong City, the Filipino-Chinese Museum and the National Museum in Manila. By all means, the show should travel to these places, but it should eventually be permanently mounted in Baguio where teachers, students and residents would have access to it.

It would be good for local government officials to recognize the value of this exhibit and acquire it for the city. Official support can go toward a school tour since the exhibit serves varied educational goals.

“Baguio Then/Now” is also about the future. It raises these questions: “Which way forward from here? What kind of city do we want for our children’s children?”

Now is the time for Baguio people to deal with the task of creating a future city with intelligent, decent and imaginative leaders, a highly educated and well-informed citizenry and a healthy living environment.

One can begin by visiting “Baguio Then/Now” and letting the photos tell their stories. The exhibit is on view at the Gallery, Lower Basement, SM City Baguio until the third week of February.